A camshaft profile actuator switches the exhaust camshaft (camshaft B) on bank 2 between two or more fixed cam profiles with different valve lift and duration, for example by shifting a cam piece axially or by locking rocker arms or tappets with oil pressure. Unlike a camshaft phaser it does not shift the timing continuously. The second letter "A" in the title numbers the actuator on this camshaft. This code is set when the control circuit of the actuator is open: no current flows when it is driven, because of a broken wire, an unplugged connector or an open coil. The engine usually stays on one profile, typically the base profile with low lift. Some manufacturers report these faults with their own codes instead. Bank 2 exists only on V and boxer engines.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive little and gently. If you hear timing chain noise or the oil light comes on, shut off the engine.
Bank 2 is the side without cylinder 1, so it only exists on V or boxer engines.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Less power at high engine speed because the profile does not switch
- Higher consumption or uneven part-load running, depending on the profile
- Engine speed may be limited
Most likely causes
- Connector at the actuator corroded, oil-soaked or loose
- Wire broken, e.g. at the valve cover
- Actuator coil open
- Output driver in the engine control module faulty
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P002D means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 0: Subsystem depends on the code range
- 2D: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P002D?
Drive little and gently. If you hear timing chain noise or the oil light comes on, shut off the engine.
What causes code P002D?
The most common causes are: connector at the actuator corroded, oil-soaked or loose; wire broken, e.g. at the valve cover; actuator coil open.
Related codes
- P002EB Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Circuit Low Bank 2
- P002FB Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Circuit High Bank 2
- P002AB Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Circuit/Open Bank 1
- P001DA Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Circuit/Open Bank 2
- P005CB Camshaft Profile Actuator A Control Performance/Stuck Off Bank 2
Sources
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
- en.wikipedia.org: Variable valve timing
- audi-technology-portal.de: audi valvelift system en
- en.wikipedia.org: VTEC
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.